Canada's Porter open to stretched Q400X

20 May, 2009

SOURCE: Flight International

BY: Mary Kirby

Philadelphia

Canadian regional operator Porter Airlines is considering a follow-on order for Bombardier Q400s. It says it would be open to signing on for the proposed stretched version once it learns more about the long-discussed type's performance characteristics.

"We are in the consideration phase," says the airline. "Chief executive Robert Deluce has said we will at least be considering with Bombardier as to whether to place a follow-on order [for Q400s]."

In reference to the proposed 90-seat Q400X, which has not yet been launched, Porter has room "to supplement with an aircraft like that", says the airline, noting it could put the Q00X on high-demand routes.

Bombardier continues to study a stretch of the 78-seat turboprop for possible introduction in the 2013-14 timeframe, although it says it has not decided on the exact size of the proposed new variant.